President Donald Trump, speaking at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches on May 1, 2026, described intense ongoing communications with Iranian representatives amid U.S. military operations, emphasizing that Tehran is seeking favorable terms while he insists on stringent conditions or no agreement at all.
The remarks came during a wide-ranging address to an audience in the Palm Beach area, where Trump has long maintained a residence. He touched on the progress of U.S. actions against Iran, economic gains at home, and various domestic and international priorities, but returned repeatedly to the situation with Iran as a central focus of his current attention.
Trump recounted being approached about a golf tournament while preoccupied with diplomatic outreach from Iran. He stated: “Right now we have a tournament I’m so busy and we have the big Cadillac championship going on all the great players the PJ tour and they’re there and yesterday somebody came up said sir the tournament is great I said what tournament are you talking about I’m so busy with the Iranians calling trying to make a good deal or we’re not going to let that happen. But got to make a bad they’ve got to make a bad deal. But uh if they make a deal at all because frankly maybe we’re better off not making a deal at all. Do you want to know the truth? Because we can’t let this thing go on. Been going on too long.”
In the speech, Trump made clear that Iranian callers are attempting to negotiate what he views as a good deal for their side, but he rejected that approach outright. He stressed that any potential agreement would have to be on terms heavily unfavorable to Iran, underscoring a position of strength derived from ongoing U.S. military pressure.
The comments reflect the administration’s broader stance following the launch of Operation Epic Fury in late February 2026. U.S. and partner forces targeted Iranian command and control facilities, air defenses, missile sites, and naval assets, significantly degrading Iran’s military capabilities. Trump noted that Iran’s air force is effectively nonexistent, its navy has been largely sunk, and many senior leaders have been removed from the picture.
He highlighted the challenges in identifying reliable counterparts for negotiations due to the disruption of Iran’s leadership structure. Trump described a situation where various individuals claim authority, but the absence of clear top-level figures complicates dealings. Despite this, he indicated that communications continue through available channels, with Iran expressing interest in reaching some form of agreement.
Trump tied Iran’s willingness to talk to the effects of U.S. actions, including a blockade of key maritime routes that has prevented energy exports and added economic strain. He pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, previously used by Iran as leverage, now under U.S. control as part of the pressure campaign. The president also referenced successful precedents, such as improved relations and oil flows from Venezuela after U.S. involvement there.
Throughout the address, Trump expressed confidence in the U.S. position, stating that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. He warned of the risks such a capability would pose to Israel, the broader Middle East, Europe, and potentially the United States itself. The military campaign, he said, has dismantled key Iranian assets, including anti-aircraft systems and radar capabilities, while U.S. forces have faced minimal impact.
The Forum Club event took place against a backdrop of reported domestic economic strength. Trump noted repeated stock market highs, increased domestic oil production surpassing that of Saudi Arabia and Russia combined, and various policy achievements including tax cuts and border security measures. He framed the Iran situation as a necessary but temporary focus that would not derail longer-term progress.
Trump’s appearance included acknowledgments of local leaders and supporters in Palm Beach and surrounding areas, as well as reflections on his properties and community ties. He fielded questions from the host on topics ranging from his choice of Florida as a base to historical reflections on American founding moments and leadership differences between business and politics.
The speech underscored the administration’s determination to resolve the Iran issue decisively. By insisting on a “bad deal” for Iran or potentially forgoing an agreement altogether, Trump signaled that U.S. objectives center on long-term security rather than quick diplomatic compromises. As communications continue, the situation remains fluid, with military achievements providing the foundation for U.S. negotiating leverage.